Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-21)

Topic

Classical Chinese Political Thought

Instructors

Loubna El Amine
847/467-6068
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/loubna-el-amine.html

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 201 Ripton Room: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Overview of class

In this course, we read closely the founding texts in Chinese political thought (in translation). We analyze their central concepts, arguments, and concerns and compare them to texts students might be familiar with from other traditions, including the Western tradition. We examine the ways in which the Chinese Classical texts—primarily the Confucian ones—have been used in recent years in intellectual debates, in China and in the West, about democracy, human rights, and global peace. We also touch on the ways these texts have been used by the Chinese government.

Learning Objectives

- To analyze the central concepts and arguments of the founding texts in Chinese political thought - To relate these concepts and arguments to contemporary intellectual debates, in China and in the West, about democracy, human rights, and peace

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

2 short response papers 30%, final paper 40%, class participation 30%

Class Materials (Required)

- Confucius. The Analects. Translated by D. C. Lau. Penguin Books, 1998. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140443487 - Mozi. Mozi: Basic Writings. Translated by Burton Watson. Columbia University Press, 2003. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0231130015 - Mencius. Mencius. Translated by D.C. Lau. Penguin Books, 2005. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 014044971X - Han Feizi. Han Feizi: Basic Writings. Translated by Burton Watson. Columbia University Press, 2003. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0231129696